Former Crystal Palace defender Brede Hangeland has revealed that former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew made him scout for his own replacement, when he signalled his intention to retire from the game.

Then former Norwegian international made his name in England during his time at Fulham but when the Cottagers were relegated in 2014, he spent the final two years of his career at Selhurst Park.

During his second season at the club Hangeland began to lose a yard of pace and he made the decision that he was going to retire at the end of the season.

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However, when he informed Alan Pardew of his decision, the Eagles gaffer made Hangeland scout the country to find his replacement himself, which turned out to be James Tomkins.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Fantasy Football Club, Hangeland said: “I don’t know if it’s a usual thing, but I said to him, I’m sorry boss but I can’t run anymore.

“That was a problem, I couldn’t run.

Brede Hangeland (Image: PA Wire)

“So he said ‘fair enough, thanks for telling me, but now I need to find someone else.’

“So he sent me trekking around the country looking at centre-backs and I had to give him reports, with pro’s and con’s and all that, and I ended up recommending James Tomkins and they signed him eventually.”

It was an unusual move, given Crystal Palace already had a strong scouting network in place, but Hangeland believes it was actually a sensible decision from the much maligned former Magpies boss.